Dental Braces in Orthodontics

Dental braces are devices used to align crooked teeth with Orthodontists being the dentists specialized in this field. Teeth misalignment and jaw complications are only a few of the reasons why braces may be needed. Several reasons are responsible for teeth misalignment and jaw complications. The purpose of dental braces is chiefly to correct the flaws of the jaw and the teeth. The braces used in dentistry are either structural or cosmetic. Using braces to correct teeth and jaw defects is traced back to the ancient time when the then dentists used metal bands in such cases.

Dental braces come in different types. The metal wired one is the most ancient form. They are also the most common and most used. They are made of stainless steel sometimes combined with titanium. The traditional model is an example of the structural brace. Another type is the clear ceramic one. It is also designed to blend with the color of the teeth, to make it less conspicuous. It tends to be brittle and taking it off may be painful to the patient and time-consuming. Another type of brace is the gold-plated one, equally made of stainless steel, with a coating of gold. This type is suitable for patients who could be allergic to components of steel like nickel and the ones not comfortable with steel. Some people prefer gold to silver. Others satisfy patients’ desires like the lingual ones which are fitted and are not visible externally. The most common and latest dental braces are the clear ones which are also removable. Most orthodontists still prefer the traditional ones citing that the modern ones do not give the very best results. However, they give prominence to patients’ preferences. Other types include the A-braces and the smart brackets which are currently still under investigation.

The dental brace fitting process delicate and it has to be handled diligently by the orthodontists. First, the dentist examines whether the patient’s situation warrants a brace insertion. After conducting satisfactory teeth examination, the dentist consults with the patient to begin the alignment process. A three-dimensional model is made to give the possible optimal outcome of the real process. The patient has the freedom to choose the type of brace they need. Doctor’s advice is vital when the patient makes this decision. The treatment period lasts between six months to two years depending on the complexity of the situation. The treatment sessions also include regular checkups to the doctor. The modern braces are made to adapt to both cold and warm temperatures. The fitting process also depends on the type of brace. In some cases, the gaps between the teeth are not balanced. The orthodontist corrects these by making two kinds of adjustments of either removal of some teeth or expansion of the jaw to provide more space. This process ensures there is sufficient space to fit the braces correctly.

The process also comes with risks and complications like experiencing pain when fitting. Food also gets trapped around the braces which can accumulate to form plaque. Dental hygiene is critical, and it overemphasized with braces. Regular visits to the dentist are necessary to correct teeth defects at an early stage.